Give this one a '7' (like Monkey Business, but a step below Golden Greats).

Solid album with some VERY well-recorded and well-produced tracks. I often cite this album as an example of how great production can elevate pretty-good music into really-good music.

His vocals are extremely well recorded here.

The acoustic guitar additions by Francis Dunnery are very helpful to Ian's overall sound. Good stuff.

Personally, I could have done with a bit more vitality and more uptempo tracks -- at times, this album almost lulls you to sleep, it's so laid-back. All sounds very good, though.

Final analysis: the songwriting isn't quite as consistent as on the first two albums (despite 'F.E.A.R.' being a classic -- it towers over all the other tracks), but the production is fantastic and the whole-thing sounds "of a piece" and like more of a complete album.